Hello, I am an experienced naturopathic physician who is certified in homeopathy. I am available to chat now. What is your question? Dr. Zeoli

I see. Thank you for your question. There are indeed some homeopathic medicines which may be helpful for your skin condition. May I ask some questions? Is there anything else that seems to make the skin symptoms worse or better, i.e. heat/cold, wet/dry, etc? Are you currently taking any medications for other conditions?

OK. I have a few ideas for you. Homeopathy is certainly worth trying as there are no side effects and there is a good chance that it will be helpful. The first remedy to try is called homeopathic Urtica Urens 30C. The dosage is 5 pellets dissolved under the tongue, one to three times per day for up to five days, taken 45 minutes away from meals. Another remedy to try if the first one is ineffective is homeopathic Rhus Toxicodendron 30C, with the same dosage instructions. I have a question about your diet. Are you restricting dietary fats? And what kind of fats and oils are you eating each day?

Yes, it is important to get adequate dietary fats in order to heal the skin. Cod Liver Oil is doses of 1 to 2 tablespoons per day will have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. This will be more helpful than the capsules, since it takes 15 capsules to equal 1 tablespoons. Also it would be a great idea to increase dietary coconut oil, up to 4 tablespoons per day, and also increase dietary coconut milk. Yes, it is OK if it is 2 hours away from meals, at a minimum 45 minutes is recommended. Sometimes peppermint oil can weaken the results, so switching to a different flavor may be useful.

It may be a good idea to discontinue the topical peppermint oil while taking the homeopathic remedies. Coconut oil or jojoba oil could perhaps be applied topically. If the remedies are going to work, then you should see results within 5 days. Here is a link to a good Cod Liver Oil supplement: http://www.iherb.com/Carlson-Labs-Norwegian-Cod-Liver-Oil-Unflavored-16-9-fl-oz-500-ml/7949

Homeopathy is a little different than the standard conventional drug treatments. They are prescribed on the "law of similars". The idea is that a tiny amount of a substance will cure similar symptoms that would appear if a large amount of the same substance was taken. For example, homeopathic Urtica Urens 30C is a tiny dose of the plant called "stinging nettles". It will cure symptoms that are similar to what happens when a person touches the stinging nettle plant. And the description that you have given of your symptoms resembles this. Does that make sense? Homeopathic Rhus Toxicodendron 30C is tiny dose of the plant "poison ivy", and it will cure these kinds of skin symptoms that appear as if a person had touched poison ivy. All that being said, the remedies should bring balance to the histamine levels so as to eliminate the causes of your skin symptoms.

Yes, taking the tea is quite different than taking the specific remedy. When a homeopathic medicine is made, it is diluted and potentized so as to make the medicine give a stronger and deeper effect. The higher the potency, i.e. 6C, 12C, 30C, 200C, the stronger and deeper the effect. I would certainly use homeopathy before even considering the benadril.

You should get some quick results. Most people notice at least a small change within a day or two. If you go for the 200C potency, you do not need to take it as often. You may need only one or two doses of the 200C.

For the 200C potency, you would only need one dose per day for perhaps two days...two doses total. Yes, I would be interested in hearing your progress. After this chat is closed, you can contact me directly using the question box in this link, please ask for "Dr. Zeoli": http://www.justanswer.com/medical/expert-drzeoli/

Yes, start with the Urtica Urens 30C or 200C. If you see results, then you may not need the other one at all. Please be careful not to take too many doses, expecially of the 200C potency. You may have some pellets left in the tube after a week, so you don't need to try to finish the tube. Yes, start with just two doses of the 200C, one per day for two days, and wait. If the symptoms are reduced, then that means the remedy is working and you wouldn't need to take another dose unless the symptoms returned in full force. If there are no effects after two doses of the 200C, then it will probably not work regardless of any additional doses.

I mentioned the oils as the most important things to add. It would be good to avoid spicy foods and alcohol.

Sorry, I got cut off. You can get a mail order from the Vitamin Shoppe, Super Supplements, or Amazon.com. Here are some links: http://www.supersup.com/boiron-urtica-urens-30c-80-pellets-306960766131 http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=BI-1276 http://www.amazon.com/Boiron-Urtica-Urens-200C-pellets/dp/B0006NXGR0

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